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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.